"We're very excited to be working with one of the most reputable and talented toy makers," said Mike Mika, Backbone Creative Director. "We're big fans of their work and we can't wait to see what they bring to the world of Death, Jr."

Gentle Giant's products are timed to debut in stores around the release of the game early next year. During the Fall Toy Show in New York this month, Gentle Giant will be displaying early maquettes from which all products will be based. This show is closed to the press, but buyers should contact Eric Lyga, Gentle Giant's Marketing and Sales Manager, for sales information.

The deal with Gentle Giant was facilitated by Russell Binder at J.A. Roth & Associates, Inc, Backbone Entertainment's official licensing representative for Death, Jr.

Death, Jr. (DJ) is the teenage son of the grim reaper and a bit of an outcast who just likes to keep to himself and do his own thing. But all that changes when he and his friends unleash an ancient evil into the world. Now DJ has to clean up the mess he created before his dad finds out.

BACKBONE ENTERTAINMENT

Backbone Entertainment is one of the largest independent video game developers in North America with studios and offices in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Boston, and Honolulu. Backbone's diverse properties encompass every major platform and every major age group. Backbone Entertainment has over 10 years of game developing experience and is responsible for well over 200 titles, including several million-unit sellers.

GENTLE GIANT STUDIOS, INC.

Utilizing the most advanced laser-scanning techniques and a team of incredibly talented artisans, Gentle Giant digitally captures the likenesses of actors, props, and scenery to accurately recreate these images for fans and collectors everywhere. Specializing in rapid prototyping, digital modeling, sculpting, painting, and manufacturing, Gentle Giant has worked with a wide range of companies in a variety of industries. Gentle Giant Ltd also designs, develops, and manufactures three-dimensional representations of beloved characters from a variety of franchise properties with worldwide name recognition, including Star Wars, The Matrix, and Terminator 3. Gentle Giant is headquartered in Burbank, Ca.

J.A. ROTH & ASSOCIATES, INC.

J.A. Roth & Associates, Inc. is a full service licensing and merchandising agency specializing in the representation of intellectual property holders. J.A. Roth & Associates, Inc.'s clients include Backbone Entertainment, Stan Winston, Heavy Metal, West Coast Customs, Autocannon, Migi Style, and Revolution Studios. J.A. Roth & Associates, Inc. is also a manufacturers consultant in the acquisition of intellectual property with clients in the toy, papergoods, apparel, electronics, and gift/novelty areas.